The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-24
More Defiance of Law.

More Defiance of Law.
Mr.. Koiner has introduced a bill in the
Senate, the object of which is to impose a
penalty on officers of the State for receiy-
ing, except for Identification, coupons for
taxes and dues to the Commonwealth. We
have not seen the full text Of the proposed
law, but the brief synopsis published, no
doubt. compfeheDds it's import. The mean
ing of it IS that the State Legislature by
simple whereas and resolve shall nullify
law of the Commonwealth, passed by
Democratic Legislature and pronounced
an inviolable contract by Democratic
Supreme Court Of the State, and ratified
as such by the Supreme Court of the
United States. The law says that tax-re-
ceivable coupons cut from the bonds is
sued under the enactments of 1871 and
1879 shall be receivable for all taxes, dues
and demands owed to the State. and the
United States Supreme Court says that
these coupons are legal tender for such
taxes. dnes and demands and have the
same virtue and force as so many green
backs, to the extent of paying such taxes.
It will be seen by this statement that the
bill of Mr.. Koner proposes to punish the
officers of the State for doing that which
the law and the courts say he must do
that it essays to defy the courts and null
lily the laws and embarrass and harrass
State officers for doing that which their
oaths Of Office require them to do. MIR.
Koiner, as lawyer, knows that his bill
proposes to violate what the courts say is
a contract and which the constitution of
the State and the constitution of the
United States say cannot be violated. He
knows that the only effect of its enact
ment would be to harrass the officer, sub
ject him to damages in law suits, or COM
pei him to resign. He knows that it would
bring further discredit upon the State,
destroy her already impaired credit, keep
away capital, and paralyze material pro-
gress. And yet he deliberately offers such
a bill for the consideration and adoption
Of the Legislature, Notwithstanding his
recently reported remarks in the Legisla-
ture to the effect that he was reared to
believe it right to pay honest debts and
respect the law What does Mr.. Koiner
expect to gain by such proposition Is
it in accord with the suggestion OF his
conscience-his understanding of a wise
public policy or his obligation as sworn
law maker, as well as law abider. of the
Commonwealth We think not And if
these considerations are to be made Su-
coordinate to the eXigencies of a desper-
ate political faction-to rescue it from
merited popular rebuke and condemnation
because of its incompetency, infidelity
and treacbery, would it not be more con
sstent with his character for uprightness
and honesty, as a man, and his fidelity tC
his sworn duty as legislator, to cut
loose from ST h party, aud do with his
seat in the Senate. as he proposed to dc
with his position as Chairman of the
Senate Finance Com nittee, resign, be-
cause he was not in accord with the sen
timent of his party on the subject OF
paying honest debts and conforming tt
the laws of the land. 1t would be infn
ite!y better for the Senator to stand alone
in that body as the representative Of Law
, and the exemplar of honestly entertained
sentiment than to control its action il
the direction indicated in his bill. Tht
, Legislature of Virginia is to-day attract
ing the attention of the whole country
The eyes OF every commercial centre arr
: upon it. They are watching to see wheth
er q single practical movement is to b.
c made to redeem the credit of the State
restore confidence in her intentions ant
q open the way for the inflow of capital ant
enterprise. They vii. turn from sucl
! propositions as that Of Mr.. Koiner will
disgust, and direct their attention else
where, if that is to be the fatal policy O.
p the State. It is simply suicidal, without
o single hope of recompense in any form
. whatever For The laws and constitu
tion CT the country will have to be re
8 spected and obeyed in the end. let the gy
ratons of parties and politicians be wha
they may.